DALLAS – (Aug. 1, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit to the Pinecrest Energy Center power plant in Lufkin, Texas. The project proposes to construct a new natural gas-fired combined cycle electric generating plant. “Every day we are hard at work to help Texas businesses take advantage of new opportunities for growth and make a positive difference on addressing climate,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “This project is another step toward a cleaner economy and greener energy future for Texans.”

Once completed the plant will have two new natural gas-fired combined cycle turbines, two natural gas-fired duct burner systems with heat recovery steam generators, a firewater pump engine, emergency generator and an auxiliary boiler. The projected cost of the project is $443.8 million and will produce fifty new permanent jobs.

In June 2010, EPA finalized national GHG regulations, which specify that beginning on January 2, 2011, projects that increase GHG emissions substantially will require an air permit. EPA believes states are best equipped to run GHG air permitting programs. Texas is working to replace the federal implementation plan with its own state program, which will eliminate the need for businesses to seek air permits from EPA. This action will increase efficiency and allow industry to continue to grow in Texas. For all of the latest information on GHG permits in Texas please visit: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r6/Apermit.nsf/AirP

EPA has finalized 45 GHG permits in Texas, proposed an additional seven permits, and currently has 14 additional GHG permit applications under review and permit development in Texas.

EPA is taking a variety of actions to cut Greenhouse Gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change. Most recently, EPA released a Clean Power Plan for existing power plants to cut carbon pollution by 30 percent below 2005 levels. Learn more about EPA’s actions at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/.